Pedal into the future with titanium 3D printed bike

Jan.29, 2014

Following months of design, research and testing, the company Flying Machines Studio based in Perth, Australia has revealed its new Flying Machine 3DP-F1 which features titanium tubing joined with cutting edge 3D printed titanium lugs. The company is amongst the very first to embrace 3D printing for bicycle production – they view the technology as the way of the future.

To create this "bike of the future" Flying Machine used a hybrid of innovative and traditional bicycle manufacturing methods. The personalized geometry provided by 3D printing technology is used to create the titanium frame tubes which are connected by lugs. Lugged frame bicycles were once on the outs in bike making due to limitations with variation in geometry. But 3D printing may revive the lugged-framed bicycle as the technology allows the geometry of all bikes to be customized.

The 3D printed bike is like riding around on your own titanium, bi-pedal fingerprint.

The bike pictured here is prototype F1 which was tailored to the measurements of Matt, owner and designer at Flying Machine. He is extremely satisfied with his customized bicycle describing it as "light, stiff, fast, and extremely comfortable." Now it is possible for anyone to order the 3DP-F1 bicycle which customized to fit the exact measurements and riding style of its rider.

The company Flying Machines sees itself as a creative hub at the intersection of science and art. They emphasize the importance of creativity, beauty, and innovation in their bicycle designs – as well as efficiency. Flying Machines is interested in the accuracy, low waste, and low invested energy provided by 3D printing – as well as its "green potential."

The key components used to build the rest of the F1 prototype are the following:

Production versions of this bicycle will be available with a full range of component options and custom color schemes.

The company's website states that the F1 is just the beginning of Flying Machine's adventures in 3D printing in titanium. They've already begun work on applying 3D Printing technology in several exciting new bicycle models.

All bicycles are now completely assembled and painted in the FM studio in Perth, Australia. Flying Machine uses a waterborne painting system which they describe as far superior to other techniques.